Praxis exams are used by states and licensing agencies as part of their certification process for incoming prospective teachers. This exam is required for teachers who wish to teach Science in several different formats. The General Science exam will test your skills, knowledge, and abilities on this subject and how to teach it effectively.
Who is Eligible?
Each state or teaching licensing agency sets their own requirements and rules about who can gain licensure and what it takes to get there. Some may require you to take other exams, complete a certain amount of training or degree, or have a specific amount of specialty experience.
Be sure to check with your local licensing agency or state board to know what these requirements may be and how to go about completing them.
There is a fee of $120 to take this exam, which must be paid at the time of registration. Registration can be completed online, by mail, or over the phone through Praxis.
Where and When Can I Take it?
This exam is computer-administered by an international network of testing sites including Prometric Testing Centers, some universities, and various other locations worldwide. This exam can be scheduled during specific testing windows throughout the year. A complete list of dates, times, and locations will be provided during your registration process.
Choose a testing session that is the most convenient for you. However, it is recommended that you register for that session as soon as possible. Space is limited in most locations and is filled on a first come, first served basis.
If you need to reschedule or even cancel your appointment, you may do so by contacting Praxis no later than three days before your original exam. Changes cannot be made after that time, causing you to be counted as a no-show on test day and forfeiting your paid fees.
Special accommodations are available for those with disabilities or who may not be able to test under normal conditions. This request should be made early and provide the appropriate documentation to ensure speedy approval.
After the registration process is complete and your payment submitted, you will gain access to an admission ticket. You will need to bring this with you on test day so be sure to print this out and have it handy.
What Can I Bring?
Along with the above-mentioned admission ticket, you will need to bring a current and valid government-issued photo ID. This must include your full name as it appears on your registration, your signature, and a recent and recognizable photo. If this ID contains missing or incorrect information, you will be asked to provide another ID or risk being turned away and not allowed to test that day.
Make sure that you arrive at least 30 minutes early to make sure you can submit the proper ID and your admission ticket before the exam begins. Those who are late will not be allowed to test on that day and will forfeit any and all fees paid up to that point.
All other personal items are strictly prohibited in the testing area. This includes paper and pencils, books and study materials, watches and jewelry, cell phones and calculators. If any of these items are found on your person during the exam, you will immediately be dismissed and your scores will be voided.
The testing center will provide pencils, erasers, and scratch paper for your convenience.
What is Covered?
This Praxis exam has 135 selected response questions divided into five main sections or categories. You will be given two hours and 30 minutes to complete them all.
Below is a brief description of each section including the number of questions and weight given to each.
Scientific Methodology, Techniques, and History (15 questions/11%)
Scientific data collection and manipulation, safety and emergency lab procedures, history of scientific developments, use of standard lab and field equipment, preparation and storage of lab materials
Physical Science (51 questions/38%)
The basic principles of physical science, chemistry, physics
Life Science (27 questions/20%)
Cells and cell reproduction and division, theories of evolution, basic genetics, hierarchical classification scheme, basic biochemistry, basic anatomy and physiology of animals, major structures of plants, aspects of ecology
Earth and Space Science (27 questions/20%)
Physical geology, historical geology, meteorology, and climate, astronomy
Science, Technology, and Society (15 questions/11%)
Energy production and the management of natural resources, the impact of science and technology on the environment and society and its applications in daily life
How is it Scored?
Most testing sites used by Praxis offer your score reports at the end of your exam. Your official score report will be made available to you through your Praxis account online about 10-16 days after your testing window has closed. A copy of this will also be sent to any licensing agencies or institutions indicated on your registration.
Your score report will include your whether you passed or not according to your state, your overall score, and the range of possible points overall and in each section of the exam. It will also include the highest scores for any Praxis tests you have taken during the last 10 years.
Each state makes its own standards for the minimum passing score required. Be sure to know what this before you take your exam. If you do not make the required score, you can retake the exam after a 21-day waiting period by submitting a new registration and payment.
How Can I Prepare for the Praxis General Science Test?
We believe that different learning styles require different tools for success. We have compiled a list of the best study guides, flashcards, and practice tests that we’ve found on the market. Some of these guides have review videos, for you visual learners out there. Others have practice tests, which have been proven to increase student scores by a whole letter grade (in some cases more than that)!
Top Study Guides:
Best Flashcards: